If you’ve picked up a micro four thirds camera or are thinking of switching, understanding how to use it effectively is key. The camera format brings specific advantages and limitations that affect your photography significantly.
Coming to you from Chris Baitson, this straightforward video addresses some common misconceptions about micro four thirds cameras, particularly around depth of field and sensor noise. Baitson explains clearly why achieving that ultra-shallow, full frame depth of field look can be challenging with this format. However, he also highlights the advantage of micro four thirds for landscape and long exposure photography, where its inherent deeper depth of field lets you keep images sharp from front to back with wider apertures like f/4 or f/5.6, capturing cleaner shots at lower ISO settings. This makes your shooting simpler, especially in changing light or adverse conditions, because it allows more light into the camera, reducing noise and improving image clarity.
Additionally, the video offers valuable insight into the reality of ISO performance and noise. Micro four thirds sensors, being smaller, naturally produce a bit more noise at higher ISO levels compared to full frame models. Baitson suggests that investing in a camera with a backside illuminated sensor, such as the OM System OM-1 Mark II, significantly improves low-light performance, giving you around one stop better noise handling. Software solutions, like Lightroom’s AI-powered noise reduction, further help in overcoming these noise challenges, meaning you can still achieve great results even in dimmer environments.
Beyond technical specifications, Baitson shares practical tips on lens choices that suit different photographic styles, debunking the myth that micro four thirds is limited to telephoto lenses due to its two-times crop factor. He introduces versatile lenses, such as the OM System 12-40mm f/2.8 PRO—equivalent to a 24-80mm on full-frame—and the ultra-wide OM System 8-25mm f/4 PRO, ideal for expansive landscapes or dramatic scenes. He also briefly mentions specialty lenses like the Laowa 6mm lens for extreme wide angle shots, though cautioning you about foreground-background relationships when using ultra-wide lenses.
The video also demonstrates how practical this format can be in real-world scenarios. Baitson captures a minimalistic, fine-art style long exposure of an intriguing structure at sea, using the compact yet powerful OM System 40-150mm telephoto lens combined with ND filters and the camera's built-in Live ND feature. The gear setup he shares highlights one of the best attributes of micro four thirds cameras—the portability and lighter weight compared to their full-frame counterparts, ideal if you hike or travel often.
To discover more about optimizing your micro four thirds photography, including detailed insights into autofocus capabilities and advanced shooting modes tailored for various subjects, check out the video above for the full rundown from Baitson.
